Courts

Definition

Government institutions responsible for interpreting laws, resolving disputes, and administering justice. In the U.S., courts operate at federal, state, and local levels, with the Supreme Court serving as the highest authority on constitutional questions.

Examples

  • The Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) declared school segregation unconstitutional
  • State courts handle the vast majority of legal cases in the U.S., including most criminal trials
  • Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the principle of judicial review

Related Terms

Court system Judicial review Landmark supreme court cases Checks and balances

Study This Concept

Practice courts with free review games in these units:

AP U.S. Government and Politics Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches